September 19, 2006

What is an evangelist?

I grew up in a pastor's home. I don't know if my concept of the role of "Evangelist" was developed by my father's teaching or if I picked it up through osmosis along the way, but I have always thought that a titled role of "Evangelist" was an inappropriate thing. I always thought We are all supposed to be evangelists" and If a man feels called to be an Evangelist, he probably is truly being called to be a pastor. But I'm not so sure that my conception was correct.

What does the Bible say?

Our concepts must always derive from scripture—not from philosophy, sophistry, or emotion. And this morning, through the reading of God's Word, He showed me that my concept of the role of Evangelist was incorrect.

2 Corinthians 8:18
With him we are sending the brother who is famous among all the churches for his preaching of the gospel.

Apparently the role of Evangelist was just fine with the apostle Paul. This man he speaks of is traveling as an Evangelist because he is known for his preaching of the gospel.

But I also notice that Paul does not mention him by name. I think this is important. In today's Western Evangelicalism, we have many "heroes." But an evangelist should not seek to make a name for himself in his proclamation of the gospel. The whole point of proclaiming the gospel is to make Christ known—not ourselves.